Memory declines 38% faster in persistent male smokers

Accelerated decline in cognitive reasoning and memory is more advanced in smokers, according to researchers and University College London (UCL).

Dr Gareth Hagger-Johnson, research associate at UCL, said:

[One] of our studies at UCL show [decline] to be nearly 38% faster in persistent male smokers compared to non-smokers.

The decline in the brain's cognitive powers is naturally seen with ageing but there are a number of identifiable risk factors, including smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, which can be associated with an accelerated rate of decline.